The state government of Abia has said that it is keeping an eye on the discussion on the proposed raise in worker salaries between organized labor and the federal government.
The government promised to issue a proclamation when the moment was right and within its means.
Okey Kanu, the state’s commissioner of information and culture, made this statement in Umuahia while briefing reporters on the results of Governor Alex Otti’s state executive council meeting this past week.
Speaking on the subject of pay increases, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, gave the assurance that while the administration led by Alex Otti is concerned about worker welfare, it would not wish to initiate worker compensation increases before the federal government.
“The Federal Government is currently considering a wage review and negotiations are ongoing and at the state executive council level, we are monitoring that conversation.
“Our stand as a state government is that we do not want to go ahead of the Federal Government to make a proclamation on that because you do not know where the direction that the Federal Government is headed.
“So, it’s better for us to wait and then see what the Federal Government wants to do and then we now look at what we can afford as a state and then move.”
Regarding the reported constant intimidation of Abia locals by the members of the Police Rapid Response Team, the Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff stated that harassment of individuals is unacceptable and will not be allowed in the state.
